I’m exploring opportunities to open a new retail store in Central and Southern Florida (existing store was acquired), targeting locations with significant foot traffic (e.g., tourist areas or high-density neighborhoods). I’d love to hear your experiences and advice on: 1. Finding Retail Spaces: What are the best strategies or platforms to identify prime retail locations in Florida? Are there specific areas you’d recommend exploring, particularly for businesses catering to both tourists and locals? 2. The Role of Brokers: In your experience, how helpful are real estate brokers when it comes to securing retail spaces? Are there scenarios where it’s better to handle the search independently? 3. Negotiating Leases: If you’ve worked with brokers, have they been instrumental in lease negotiations, or are landlords typically open to direct negotiations with prospective tenants? 4. Lessons Learned: Any challenges or pitfalls to watch out for when searching for and securing retail locations in Florida?

I appreciate any insights, including personal experiences, recommended brokers, or resources that could help with this process.

Looking forward to learning from this great community!